Page 37 - Pneumatology - Student Textbook

fact that all believers are sealed with the Spirit is also seen in 2 Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 4:30.

Prior to Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit had a “come and go”
relationship with people. The Holy Spirit indwelt King Saul, but then departed from him (1 Samuel 16:14).
Instead, the Spirit came upon David (1 Samuel 16:13). After his adultery with Bathsheba, David feared that
the Holy Spirit would be taken from him (Psalm 51:11). The Holy Spirit filled Bezalel to enable him to
produce the items needed for the tabernacle (Exodus 31:2-5), but this is not described as a permanent
relationship. All of this changed after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Beginning on the day of Pentecost, the
Holy Spirit began permanently indwelling believers (Acts 2). The permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit is
the fulfillment of God’s promise to always be with us and never forsake us.

While the Holy Spirit will never leave a believer, it is possible for our sin to “quench the Holy Spirit” (1
Thessalonians 5:19) or “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 4:30). Sin always has consequences in our
relationship with God. While our relationship with God is secure in Christ, unconfessed sin in our lives can
hinder our fellowship with God and effectively quench the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives. That is why it is
so important to confess our sins because God is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us
from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So, while the Holy Spirit will never leave us, the benefits and joy of
His presence can in fact depart from us (https://www.gotquestions.org/Holy-Spirit-leave.html).

Recognizing the guidance of the Holy Spirit

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His disciples that He would send one who would teach and guide
all those who believe in Him (Acts 1:5; John 14:26; 16:7). Jesus’ promise was fulfilled less than two weeks
later when the Holy Spirit came in power on the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). Now, when a person
believes in Christ, the Holy Spirit immediately becomes a permanent part of his life (Romans 8:14; 1
Corinthians 12:13).

The Holy Spirit has many functions. Not only does He distribute spiritual gifts according to His will (1
Corinthians 12:7–11), but He also comforts us (John 14:16, KJV), teaches us (John 14:26), and remains in us
as a seal of promise upon our hearts until the day of Jesus’ return (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). The Holy Spirit
also takes on the role of Guide and Counselor, leading us in the way we should go and revealing God’s truth
(Luke 12:12; 1 Corinthians 2:6–10).

But how do we recognize the Spirit’s guidance? How do we discern between our own thoughts and His
leading? After all, the Holy Spirit does not speak with audible words. Rather, He guides us through our own
consciences (Romans 9:1) and other quiet, subtle ways.

One of the most important ways to recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance is to be familiar with God’s Word.
The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom about how we should live (2 Timothy 3:16), and believers are to
search the Scriptures, meditate on them, and commit them to memory (Ephesians 6:17). The Word is the
“sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and the Spirit will use it to speak to us (John 16:12–14) to reveal
God’s will for our lives; He will also bring specific Scriptures to mind at times when we need them most
(John 14:26).

Knowledge of God’s Word can help us to discern whether or not our desires come from the Holy Spirit. We
must test our inclinations against Scripture—the Holy Spirit will never prod us to do anything contrary to
God’s Word. If it conflicts with the Bible, then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored.

It is also necessary for us to be in continual prayer with the Father (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Not only does

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